Gloucester's Toys R Us to be finally transformed

The fast-growing sport padel will take over the old Toys R Us building at Gloucester's Peel Centre. The former toy store on St Ann Way has been empty since the retail chain collapsed in 2018, with several questions over the 43,000 sqft unit's future.

Gloucestershire Live reported that Swedish company We Are Padel had formed an agreement to take over the former Toys R Us unit, but those plans never materialised. But the Padel Club has announced this week they will open a new padel centre inside the unit.

Described as a fast-paced mix of tennis and squash, padel is a rapidly spreading sport with centres across the country. The Padel Club Gloucester will include up to 11 courts, with work to convert the former toy store to begin this month. The firm has eyed up an opening in Autumn.

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Players will be able to book sessions through the Playtomic app and hire or purchase padel rackets from the club. Those who are new to padel can try introduction sessions with qualified coaches.

A spokesman for The Padel Club said Gloucester will be the third club and first retail park club from The Padel Club, “who are looking to expand the popularity of the sport with their distinctive, award-winning and highly social Padel experience.”

Kris Ball, CEO of The Padel Club, said: “We don’t see Padel as just another racket sport or something you do when you can’t find the tennis courts. Padel is an incredible sport, but for The Padel Club it’s also about community.

“We have built a model that not only encourages people of all ages and abilities to play, but to also meet new people, play in different competitions and whilst they may come as players, leave as friends.”

Kris added: “It’s great to watch so many players on court, compete and improve their game with people they never knew a few weeks ago.”

The firm say they have eyed up an expansion into Gloucester for some time and "they saw the opportunity to partner with Peel Retail and Leisure and open a club in a location which has strong ties with thriving local businesses and a well-known sporting scene." The Padel Club are looking forward to engaging within this society of Gloucester.

Working in partnership with Peel, Mark Whittaker, Executive Director of Peel Retail and Leisure said: “We are proud to announce plans to open The Padel Club’s third club in the UK, right here at our popular retail park. This exciting addition will not only enrich the sporting community in Gloucester but also complement the vibrant offerings we have. We're thrilled to collaborate with The Padel Club expanding the reach of this exciting sport into new communities.”

The Padel Club will begin the conversion by the end of May 2024 with plans to open this Autumn, working together with innovative Padel court suppliers and leading designers in well-being and leisure company Zynk interior architects, who have brought only the highest quality standards to the clubs in the North West.

Kris Ball, CEO, The Padel Club, adds “We are going to build a facility that the people of Gloucester can be proud to use and call their own. The team at The Padel Club will work to bring together as many of the successful strategies that make our vision for Padel so attractive and unique, making it accessible to all. The customer experience is essential for our Club and we feel that between the coaching, the courts and the facilities, we have something to be overwhelmingly proud about.”

First-round investors in The Padel Club include Michael Vaughan, Jos Butler, James Milner and Shay Given, who have supported the Club’s concept and are proud to see the number of Clubs increasing. Michael Vaughan, sports commentator, and former England cricket Captain said: “This is going to be fantastic. I’m delighted to be involved with The Padel Club and that we have agreed a further site in Gloucester.

“I can't wait for the Padel community to grow. In my humble opinion, Padel is the best sport that incorporates all abilities, all ages and is so much fun!”

Shay Given, former Premier League footballer, said “This is such great news for the Club, who have worked hard to build a very sociable and successful Padel Club in Wilmslow. I love to play Padel - when I get a chance! It’s such an accessible and enjoyable sport that everyone can play. We are looking forward to the Club expanding into Gloucestershire”.